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Engineering applications of nuclear explosives: Project Plowshare
Author(s) -
Johnson Gerald W.,
Higgins Gary H.
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg003i003p00365
Subject(s) - explosive material , risk analysis (engineering) , environmental science , construction engineering , mining engineering , computer science , engineering , business , chemistry , organic chemistry
The exploration of possible engineering uses of nuclear explosives, begun in 1957, has continued and has resulted in substantial progress. Major advances have been achieved in development of much cleaner explosives that will extend the range of possible use and will lead to lower costs. Several nuclear experiments have been carried out which provide an improved technological base from which to assess both cost and feasibility of various projects. The effect of the additional knowledge has been to increase confidence in the feasibility and economic advantage of nuclear excavation, certain underground mining applications, and isotope production for research.